Gnedov, V. Poetry itself

Abstract

Gnedov, V. (2018). Poetry itself. Ed. by I. Kukuy. Moscow: Izd. knizhnogo magazina ‘Tsiolkovsky'. 478 p.

The paper takes a look at the positive and negative qualities of the collected poems by the futurist Vasilisk Gnedov in the book Poetry Itself [Poeziya sama]. The reviewer analyses the strategy of the compiler I. Kukuy in comparison with the previous attempts by N. Khardzhiev and S. Sigey. The author challenges the compiler's suggestion that Gnedov's poetry occupies a place within a semi-delirious branch of ‘art-brut' or, as L. Ginsburg stated, in the ranks of higher graphomania. On the contrary, the reviewer points out that Gnedov's later work belongs to Russian ego-futurism, and is related to Mayakovsky's ‘dog cycle', as well as the earlier polemic F. Sologub's ‘dog' cycle targeted against V. Burenin.

The 365 poems about Lenin, which were destroyed by N. Khardzhiev, are no longer considered ‘filth', but rather a spoof on the tear-off calendars printed in celebration of Lenin's centenary in 1970. Special attention is paid to the relationship between Gnedov, Mayakovsky, and D. Burlyuk. Finally, the words ‘Poetry itself' correspond to poems by A. Akhmatova, who referred to poetry as ‘one luxurious quotation': something overlooked by I. Kukuy.